11 thoughts on “Sink or Swim – Lakewood’s Restrictions”

It would appear that the US Fair Housing Act and related state Acts prohibiting discrimination override the apparent discriminatory practice of segregating male from female swimmers in the HOA’s swimming pool. The “majority” pool restrictions appear to represent, both in purpose and effect, religious discrimination and gender preference. All other religious groups, including non-orthodox or non-religious, are having their rights curtailed on the basis of religious and gender-based preference. The FHA prohibitions against discrimination (which are applicable to Homeowners Associations) includes the following: “It shall be unlawful to discriminate against any person in the terms and conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES OR FACILITIES IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (emphasis added) because of race, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin.” 42 USCA S 3601, et seq.

I realize that HOAs are an unusual, often inexplicable, phenomenon in the law; however, if I am wrong with regard to my interpretation–that the FHA’s prohibitions against gender and religious discrimination override the HOA majority-based pool restrictions– please advise?

Exactly my thoughts. Had a run in of this nature when I owned a cottage on a conjoined lot. They threw trash on my property, constant noise (except shabbat), using my parking spaces for their wrecked van, and finally the father told me, I would be better off selling out to him (at a substantial discount). Then began my war of attrition, where I had loud parties on Friday night lasting all the way into Saturday evening. My final party of the season was my coup. I invited a group from a club I represented at the time. (Actually it was a strip joint). The young (and some not so young) ladies spent shabbat in various stages of undress. There was a fair amount of alcohol supplied. This was a party. We intentionally did not get too loud so as not to rouse the local authorities. To say the least, I believe my neighbors sons saw their very first titty. (Until he hauled them off to shul or shut them up in that little cottage). I experienced no further problem, as the cottages were up for sale at the end of the season.

They force their religious beliefs/customs on their neighbors. When their neighbors don’t go along with it they are fined. WOW! The article made it sound like it was illegal, discriminatory housing practices.

@yehudis, im not sure if you are aware of this, but in boro park the gender separation is enforced by the nypd, in conjunction with their shomrim pals, i know of a guy who was told by a cop, quote: “talking to a Jewish girl in boro park is harassment”, i also know of a guy who was intimidated by the shomrim for talking to a girl, and other stories like these abound, hopefully the feds will root this behavior out very soon and punish those responsible whoever they might be, but while the secular world is raising a ruckus about Lakewood pool segregation, they should focus on gender segregation enforcement in boro park brooklyn 2016